Winter may not be the most conducive time to discovering the great outdoors, but a new article in Ozy may be just the reason you need to start planning your spring outside activities. The article highlights the research of Japanese scientist Dr. Qing Li, whose work on the health benefits of being outdoors in nature has spawned a worldwide following known as “Forest Therapy.” With scientific rigor, Dr. Li has found evidence supporting exposure to nature as facilitating lower blood pressure and sugar levels, better sleep, improved memory, and even a boosted immune system. Letting yourself wander among trees and parks can lead to overall improvement in your health and well being, as Dr. Li writes in his book, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Your Health And Happiness.

In a recent article in the New York Times, writer Jane Brody also extols the benefits of being outdoors for your health and well being, and she points to evidence from Minneapolis, with it’s superior access to public parks and excellent health care data, as an important example of this phenomenon. And for older women who are looking for a group to join to explore the great outdoors and connect with others who share this passion, you need to know about Sisters on the Fly, the largest women’s organization in the US with a focus on the outdoors and with chapters in all 50 states. Finally, for another way to experience the outdoors, consider a winter workout– running, hiking, or just wandering in the woods or a park- as long as you take precautions for safety and cold protection, it’s a great way to stay fit and absorb the benefits of being outside.